MANILA, Philippines - Representatives of the Vatican will arrive in the country in September to conduct an ocular inspection for the six-day Eucharistic Congress in Cebu on 2016, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president said.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said on Wednesday that the 15-member Pontifical Committee on the International Eucharistic Congress, led by its president Archbishop Piero Marini, will arrive on Sept. 5 in Cebu City.
The prelate said the Vatican representatives will be in Cebu until Sept. 10 for the inspection of the "host city."
Palma said the pontifical committee members will be inspecting the places to be used for the 51st International Eucharistic Congress with the theme "Christ in You: Our Hope of Glory," slated on Jan. 25 to Jan. 31, 2016.
He added that the Archdiocese of Cebu has initially considered holding the Congress at Waterfront hotel and Cebu International Convention Center.
"Bukod dito, magbibigay sila ng suggestion and we would expect more meaningful and fruitful celebration sa ngayon. Maganda ang pag-alalay ng committee sa Roma and we feel that it’s a good privilege to host this event," Palma told Church-run Radyo Veritas.
He also thanked Pope Francis in accepting the CBCP's invitation and hold the Eucharistic Congress in the Philippines.
Palma said they are expecting millions of international delegates and faithful to attend the Eucharistic Congress in Cebu.